Inspiration and service. This is what drives Kathleen Schlef Hamilton’s work with her clients. As an attorney focused on general trial and appellate litigation, Ms. Hamilton’s successes have always been guided by her ability to pointedly analyze an issue and craft legal arguments. She also takes a direct, common-sense approach towards resolution.
A natural leader, Ms. Hamilton is instinctually empathetic and sees the bigger picture when others may see only disorder or turmoil. Respect for others and the judicial process guides her interactions with the Court, colleagues, and clients, who range from individuals defending or pursuing personal injury, contract, or professional malpractice claims to corporations involved in complex disputes ranging from product liability to catastrophic trucking litigation.
Ms. Hamilton is on the front line serving as trial counsel in multiple jurisdictions within Missouri and Illinois as well as in construction arbitrations through the American Arbitration Association and security arbitrations through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). She has extensive appellate experience briefing and arguing appeals in state and federal court. Because of her ability to pointedly analyze an issue and craft legal arguments, she not only oversees the appeals of cases in which she has served as trial counsel, but she also briefs and argues cases on appeal in which she did not participate at trial.
Her expertise and professionalism have not only produced positive outcomes for her clients but have also led to Ms. Hamilton being nominated by the Missouri Appellate Judicial Commission to fill four judicial vacancies on the Missouri Court of Appeals and to the Missouri Supreme Court appointing her to serve as a Member of the Joint Commission of Women in the Profession. She is also consistently asked to speak at continuing legal education courses, including those offered by the National Business Institute.
When not practicing law, Ms. Hamilton spends time with her husband and daughter and volunteers for numerous organizations.
